“I know it’s only rock and roll, but I like it!”
– The Rolling Stones
Over the last 12 months we have published an unusually high number of articles about drummers, the timekeepers in nearly every musical band or group.
Actually, it kind of stands to reason that drummers would particularly like watches – even if they can’t (or shouldn’t!) wear them while playing – as both fields have extreme time-keeping functionality.
Elizabeth Doerr interviews drummer Eric Singer backstage at a Kiss concert in 2015
Eric Singer, Kiss
I had the pleasure of interviewing Kiss drummer Eric Singer in 2015, a musical timekeeper who is also a prolific watch collector. He is also now generally recognized as something of an authority among celebrity collectors, as evidenced by his participation in the prestigious jury of the 2015 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (see Kiss Drummer Eric Singer Joins The 2015 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève Jury).
Eric Singer in Kiss catman makeup wearing a Ball watch
You can also read all about Singer’s collecting tick in Eric Singer, Kiss Drummer And Watch Collector.
And you can read about a technical element of a watch he tested in Ball Watch SpringLock Shock Protection Tested By Kiss Drummer Eric Singer, as well as a watch that was unofficially named for him in The Ball Engineer Master II Skindiver II: A Favorite Of KISS Drummer Eric Singer.
Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice at his day job
Ian Paice, Deep Purple
Though Deep Purple’s Ian Paice is less of a watch aficionado, he became the subject of one of our stories in 2015 through his connection with Paiste cymbals, which in turn had made a new connection with Corum.
Ian Paice with his Corum Paiste Bubble
The culmination of all these connections is a timepiece: the exquisite Corum Paiste Bubble. See more, including lots of original photography, in Keeping Time With Deep Purple’s Ian Paice, Corum, And Paiste Cymbals.
Ringo Starr, The Beatles
When Ringo Starr decided to auction off more than 1,000 items just hanging around his homes and in safety deposit boxes, he raised close to $10 million for his favorite charity, The Lotus Foundation.
Aside from several drum kits auctioned – which included a 1963 Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl three-piece kit that had not been seen in public for 50 years and went for $2.2 million – there were also a couple of watches in the mix.
Yellow gold Patek Philippe Reference 3448 once owned by Ringo Starr
One of them, a very rare yellow gold Patek Philippe Reference 3448, sold for $179,200. See more about it in Ringo Starr’s Patek Philippe Ref. 3448 Sells At Auction For $179,200.
Another, a stainless steel Omega Time Computer with LED display given to him by deceased Who drummer Keith Moon, went for $9,375, while a quartz Omega Constellation in steel hammered for $2,240.
You can see all 1,367 lots at Julien’s Auctions.
Anthony de Haas, director of product development at A. Lange & Söhne, playing the drums and explaining the Zeitwerk Minute Repeater
Anthony de Haas, A. Lange & Söhne
No one knows better than Anthony de Haas, director of product development at A. Lange & Söhne, how much resonance and rhythm affect both drumming and a minute repeating wristwatch.
De Haas, who played drums professionally in rock bands before turning to horology (his teacher was Golden Earring drummer Cesar Zuiderwijk), is the driving force behind A. Lange & Söhne’s minute repeater efforts.
The A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater resting on a drum, a nice big resonating chamber
Recently, de Haas was the star of an interesting video created by A. Lange & Söhne and Dutch watch journalist Lex Stolk of 00/24 in which he shows his musical stuff while answering questions about the recently released A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater.
You can see this energetic, feel-good video right here.
You may remember Stolk, who aided de Haas in creating this video, from our story ‘Impressions’: The Somewhat Different Book About A Glashütte Brand.
It probably comes as no surprise that Stolk, too, is a drummer and plays in a band called Damn Right.
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don’t forget that “ba dum tis”
Eric singer is a asshole. A fake who can’t come up with his own makeup.
Peter criss is the real Catman.
Thanks for that insightful comment, Rob. Eric Singer seemed quite likable to me on the few occasions that I’ve met him, but then I probably don’t know him as well personally as you do.
It’s interesting that you find Singer’s taste in make-up more important than his drumming ability, but if there is one thing that Kiss has shown us is that it takes all types. Happy New Year!
Regards, Ian
What a groovy article, Beth, and thanks for mentioning me and my band Damn Right!
How fun that your passion for watches and Rock & Roll come together in Q&P every week – are you having fun yet? Can’t wait to see the Guitarists & Watches feature in 2016. 🙂
Thanks, Clint! Me too, by the way. 🙂
Cheers Ton! You haven’t lost it 🙂
I’ve worn my Rolex Explorer II or my Panerai 188 GMT with my band, Translator, on the road with Dead Kennedys, and loads of other bands. No problems!
Thanks for weighing in, Dave!
I don’t ordinarily comment but I gotta say thanks for the post on this perfect one : D.